Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try South Dakota Restaurants

If South Dakota knows one thing (aside from how to build world-famous landmarks and how to be "Midwest nice"), it is food, which is demonstrated by our many delicious restaurants! In order to help you sample the best in SoDak cuisine, we have carefully curated this list of 12 of the best restaurants in South Dakota that you absolutely must try this year:

January: J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT (Summerset)

During these cold winter months, nothing beats a warm plate of Texas-style barbecue, which is exactly what you will find at J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ PIT. Located in Summerset, this meaty joint made our list of the best barbecue restaurants in the U.S. and is THE place to go for BBQ favorites like brisket, beef ribs, and mac and cheese. What more could you want? Hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. (if they don't sell out first!).

February: Grey Goose Store & Social Club (Pierre)

February is the month of love, and nothing says love quite like a perfect cut of prime rib, which is where the surprising Grey Goose Store & Social Club comes in. Hiding away in an unexpected gas station, the Grey Goose Store & Social Club is Pierre's go-to for not only prime rib but also mouthwatering Mexican fare and hearty sandwiches. You can find the Grey Goose Store & Social Club on ​​Facebook and get all the current information to help plan your visit to this hidden gem. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

March: Alpine Inn (Hill City)

Too often, the words "old" and "food" do not go together unless, of course, you are referring to the historic Alpine Inn. Built in 1886, the Alpine Inn is a duo hotel and restaurant specializing in charming accommodations and delicious German fare (AKA the food of our ancestors). Dining here is a bucket list-worthy experience.

The Alpine Inn is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the winter and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Summer hours are 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sundays.

April: Falls Overlook Cafe (Sioux Falls)

Flowers are beginning to bloom, and cherry blossoms are starting to make their first appearance of the season, so it is time to get over to Falls Park and its laid-back Falls Overlook Cafe! While you can always grab and go, we recommend enjoying lunch at the Cafe, which overlooks the surrounding falls and foliage. This is one of the most unique restaurants in South Dakota. Follow the Falls Overlook Cafe ​​Facebook page for more details and any updates.

The Falls Overlook Cafe is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

May: Purple Pie Place (Custer)

It has been several long months since your last Purple Pie Place fix, and it is FINALLY open again for the season. Need we say more? Visit the Purple Pie Place ​​and indulge in one of the best milkshakes or best slices of pie in South Dakota! These sweet treats are only available from April to October, so make it worth it. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m in the summer and fall.

June: Boom's Drive-In (Platte)

Is it just us, or does drive-in food taste even better in the summer? If you, too, crave a perfect burger, fries, and ice cream, you have to make a trip to Boom's for can't-beat drive-in fare in South Dakota! You can drive through, dine in ,or even walk up at this old school-style eatery. Check out the Boom's Drive-In ​​Facebook page for more information. Hours vary seasonally. Current hours are listed as 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

July: Tastee Treet Drive-In (Yankton)

What is the best way to cool off during a hot Mount Rushmore State summer? With ice cream cones, sundaes, malts, and shakes, of course! That being said, we will meet you at the downright tasty ​​Tastee Treet. It's one of the local favorite restaurants in South Dakota in the summer. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

August: Millstone Family Restaurant (Rapid City and Spearfish)

Traditions are important, and one of my family's favorites is sharing a meal before another school year begins. Where do you go to make these memories? The aptly named Millstone Family Restaurants, of course, has a giant, made-from-scratch menu that is guaranteed to please everyone in the family. Don't miss out on all the delicious food and events at this beloved South Dakota restaurant. Hours vary by location.

September: Marlin's Family Restaurant (Multiple Locations)

Speaking of aptly-named restaurants, Marlin's Family Restaurant is another family favorite that we cannot recommend enough! Boasting 1950s diner decor, ​​Marlin's may be as fun as it is delicious, and it's one of the best family-friendly restaurants in South Dakota. Favorite dishes include the cornbread Benedict and pot roast dinner, in addition to their many breakfast offerings. You can find restaurants in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Aberdeen. Hours vary by location.

October: Latchstring Inn (Lead)

The leaves are changing, which can only mean one thing... it is time to hike to your favorite waterfalls (Spearfish and Roughlock) and then grab a meal from the ​​Latchstring Inn! Psst... If you want a suggestion, we think you should hike the short and super-sweet 0.7-mile-long trail to Spearfish Falls, indulge in an incredible meal at the Latchstring, and then head back out to the 1.8-mile out-and-back Roughlock Falls Trail. Download AllTrails+ to your phone to help you navigate.

The Latchstring Restaurant is open Sunday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

November: Corner Diner (Clark)

It's the night before Thanksgiving, and you don't want to cook, so why not treat your family to the Corner Diner? Family-owned and operated, the Corner Diner is a Clark staple that specializes in all of your favorites, from shakes and pie to homemade diner classics. Hours vary by season. Check out The Corner Diner's ​​Facebook page to see their current hours and daily specials.

December: Big Fella's Bar and Grill (Aberdeen)

Since calories don't count during the holiday season, what better time to indulge in a Big Fella's burger, steak, or prime rib? This place actually has some of the best prime rib in South Dakota. Enjoy! They're only open certain days of the week, so be sure to check out the Big Fella's Bar and Grill ​​Facebook page when planning your visit. Currently open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Have you been to any of the best restaurants in South Dakota? Would you agree they are bucket list-worthy? If you have any other favorite restaurants that didn't make it to this list, go ahead and nominate them through our nominations form. We would love to hear from you.

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